Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.")

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Aero-Tips 08.25.06

We generally think of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) is a bad thing.  But too little carbon dioxide can be just as deadly.

Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is an abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed in and out of the lungs, and usually occurs in a stressful situation.  Hyperventilation "blows off" excessive carbon dioxide from the body.  A pilot can experience symptoms of lightheadedness, suffocation, drowsiness, tingling in the extremities, and coolness…and then react with even greater hyperventilation. Lack of coordination, disorientation, painful muscle spasms and even incapacitation can result.  Finally, unconsciousness may occur.

What to do

Symptoms subside within a few minutes after the rate and depth of breathing are consciously brought back under control.  You can quickly reverse the effects of hyperventilation by:

• If you're using an oxygen system, immediately turn the oxygen regulator to deliver 100% oxygen and confirm it's functioning correctly.
• Consciously breathing in and out slowly and deeply.  Breathe into a paper bag held over the nose and mouth if possible.
• Once you feel refreshed, landing as soon as practical to be sure you fully recover.
• Watch for signs of hyperventilation in your passengers, too.  Often they feel stressed in flight when a seasoned pilot would not.

Aero-tip of the day:  Beware the hazard of too little CO2 in your system... by recognizing and reversing hyperventilation.

FMI: Aero-Tips